The exhibition “Contemporary Alchemy” presents works by artists Alex Rocca e Luiz Eduardo Rayol at WG Galeria, in São Paulo. The exhibition proposes a dialogue between the productions of the two creators based on their trajectories linked to design and the use of materials considered ancient, such as stones, glass, wood and metals.
The opening takes place in March 7 and integrates DW programming! São Paulo Design Week, an event that celebrates its 15th anniversary and has established itself as one of the main meetings dedicated to design and visual arts in Brazil. The explores different perspectives on materiality and transformation, starting from the symbolism of stones as an artistic and conceptual element.
Curated by Rejane Cintrão, the exhibition proposes a reflection on the role of art in the present and the ability to dialogue with the spirit of the time. The curator highlights that, despite living in different cities, the two artists share previous experiences in the world of design and use stones as a starting point for their creations.
These natural materials, formed by minerals or volcanic glass, inspire visual investigations that connect memory, transformation and contemporary language.
Visual artist and textile designer, Alex Rocca develops research that explores materiality, memory and permanence. His work combines different elements, such as glass, ceramics, fibers and metals, creating compositions that move between contemporary art and artisanal techniques.
His also dialogue with Afro-diasporic cosmologies and cultural traditions linked to spirituality, territory and the body. To develop the pieces presented in the exhibition, Rocca sought references in her African origins and Creole jewelry, incorporating shapes, colors and techniques associated with these traditions.
Painter and sculptor born in Rio de Janeiro, Luiz Eduardo Rayol develops works that explore themes such as life, death and cosmos. In his production, the artist seeks to translate emotions and thoughts through installations and sculptures that use unconventional materials.
His relationship with stones began as a teenager, after the death of his mother. From that moment on, Rayol began collecting these natural objects, which began to play a central role in his artistic production. In the works presented in the exhibition, stones appear as characters and structural elements of large installations.
By exploring stones, metals, fabrics and organic elements, “Contemporary Alchemy” suggests a reflection on transformation, memory and the role of art in interpreting the current world. The exhibition also highlights the influence of design on the formation of the two artists, highlighting how this experience shapes their aesthetic and conceptual approaches.
In addition to presenting the works to the public, the exhibition also makes the pieces available for sale.
